Jamie O’Hara has delivered a damning verdict on Everton’s performance after their 2-0 loss against Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime.
Everton extended their winless run in the Premier League to seven matches as they were beaten late on by Manchester City.
There was an air of inevitability about the outcome of the match but the Toffees did make the treble winners work hard for the three points.
Sean Dyche’s side set their stall out to defend deep and remain compact while attempting to hit them on the counter-attack through Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
It was a plan that worked until Pep Guardiola brought Kevin De Bruyne off the bench.
Erling Haaland then scored in the 70th minute with City’s first shot on target before De Bruyne assisted him for his second.
Everton, in truth, did restrict the hosts to limited opportunities and put in a commendable performance against a world-class side.
Not everyone agreed with that assumption, though, as Jamie O’Hara slammed the Toffees for their display in the second half.
Jamie O’Hara hails Everton’s display as ‘poor’ in loss to Man City
Speaking on Stadium Astro’s coverage of the match, O’Hara said: “I was a bit disappointed with Everton in the second half, I thought they were poor. I didn’t think they offered anything in the game.
“Once the first goal goes in they kinda rolled over and I know they are at the bottom of the table and they are trying to be organised and compact – you’ve got to offer a bit more in the Premier League.”
Although Everton only registered five attempts on goal and one on target, as per Sofascore, they can be forgiven for showing a lack of threat against a star-studded team.
After all, the gulf in class between the two sides is there for all to see and the Toffees can’t be faulted for their effort.
O’Hara’s verdict is harsh
O’Hara wanted Everton to attack more but that would have only left them exposed at the back.
If they did commit more bodies forward, the likes of De Bruyne and Haaland would have had a field day.
Man City thrive when there is lots of space to operate in and opting to go more adventurous could have seen them concede four or five as opposed to reducing the score.
In the fight against relegation, every goal will count for the Toffees as they’ll want to keep their goal difference as low as possible.
Everton’s fate this season won’t be decided by losing to a world-class side like Man City, but against sides in and around them in the table.
Dyche’s men host Crystal Palace at Goodison Park next, and that is a game they must win if they are to stay up this season.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
